Trending
National Processing Review 2024: Fees, Features and Alternatives
This payment processor offers competitive rates and works with high-risk businesses.
Learn About
Business Software
Get tips and advice on business software from NerdWallet's experts.
Browse Articles
EXPLORE BY:
Debit Card Processing & Fees: A 2026 Guide for Small Businesses
The average processing fee for debit card transactions is 34 cents in interchange plus your processor’s markup.
Square Fees: Calculator and Pricing for 2026
Square processing fees depend on your subscription tier. Those range from $0 to $149 each month.
PayPal Fees: 2026 Pricing and Calculator
PayPal's in-person processing fees are some of the cheapest on the market. But its online fees can add up.
Bookkeeping 101: Bookkeeping Basics for Small Businesses
Small-business bookkeeping involves setting up a framework, choosing your method and keeping track of details.
Xero vs. QuickBooks Online: Features Comparison, Pros, Cons
Both Xero and QuickBooks Online are 5-star products. The right choice for you depends on your business’s complexity and user interface preference.
Net 30: What It Means, How Businesses Use It
Adjusting the amount of time you give customers to pay an invoice isn't the only way to speed up payments.
Do Sole Proprietors and LLCs Need EINs?
Sole proprietors and single-member LLCs without employees don’t always need EINs, but there are benefits to getting one.
What Is an LLC? Pros and Cons of a Limited Liability Company
A limited liability company (LLC) separates a company from its owners. This protects the owners’ personal assets if the business loses money or gets sued.
LLC vs. Sole Proprietorship: How to Choose
Setting your business up as a sole proprietorship is typically easy and inexpensive. But forming an LLC can offer legal protections and tax flexibility.
Sole Proprietorship Taxes: A 2026 Guide
Sole proprietorships are the simplest business entity — their taxes are pretty straightforward too.
Form W-2 vs. Form W-4: What’s the Difference & How to File
This guide explains W-2 and W-4 tax forms, covering their differences as well as how to fill them out.
How to File LLC Business Taxes for the First Time
The nature of your LLC can influence which tax forms you need and what you ultimately owe.
Author insights
With 250+ articles and 80+ years of combined expertise, our team helps you make confident financial choices. Discover more from NerdWallet's writers and strategists.
Authors Published In
Explore more on Business Software
Latest articles
5 Best Accounting Software Picks for 2026
After looking at more than 50 accounting software products, I think these five fit the bill for the most small businesses.
Bizee vs. LegalZoom: Which Is Right for Your Business?
Bizee may be the better choice if you want low-cost business formation and compliance help. LegalZoom is likely a better fit if you need ongoing legal support or access to an attorney.
LegalMatch Review 2026: Pros, Cons, Pricing, Best Alternatives
LegalMatch connects small-business owners with local attorneys for contracts, disputes, compliance and other legal needs, but customer reviews are mixed.
What Is a Foreign LLC? When It’s Required and How It Works
A foreign LLC is an existing limited liability company that registers to do business in a state other than the one where it was originally formed.
2
9 Best LLC Services for Small Businesses
The best LLC formation services give you only what you need for your business and at a reasonable cost. Don’t pay for extraneous services, and watch out for sneaky auto-renewal fees.
LegalShield Review 2026: Pros, Cons, Pricing, Best Alternatives
LegalShield gives small businesses affordable, subscription-based access to attorneys for consultations, contract review, debt collection help and even trial defense add-ons.
7 Best Online and Prepaid Legal Services for Small Businesses
Legal services that small-business owners can access online for a prepaid fee range from full-service business formation and management options to subscription-based legal consultations. Pricing varies widely depending on your needs.
2
Rocket Lawyer Review: Pros, Cons and Best Alternatives
Rocket Lawyer is an online legal services provider that helps small businesses with documents, contracts, business entity creation and more.
LegalZoom Review 2026: Pros, Cons and Best Alternatives
LegalZoom positions itself as a one-stop legal platform for small businesses, offering everything from formation filing to trademark registration.
5 Best Payment Processors for Small Business in 2026
After looking at 25 payment processors, I think these five are the best for different business types.
Fractional CFO: What It Is and How to Hire One
Fractional CFOs can provide the financial guidance that startups and growing businesses need — at a fraction of the cost of a full-time hire.
Bookkeeping Prices for Small Business: What to Expect in 2026
Bookkeeping typically costs around $300 per month. Your monthly bill also depends on your business's complexity.
Best Credit Card Processing Companies for Fast Payments
On top of deposit times and pricing, consider your business’s size and industry.
My Biggest Concern After Choosing Square to Process Payments
Square is a safe pick for lots of small businesses. Just be mindful of one particular risk.
QuickBooks Just Got More Expensive: 4 Signs It’s Time for an Alternative
Are you getting your money’s worth out of QuickBooks? Consider your budget, business size and which features you actually need.
Here’s Why I Chose Square POS for My Husband’s Brewery
Square takes it back to the basics for a reasonable price.
Free vs. Paid Accounting Software: Pros, Cons and How to Choose
Free accounting software offers fewer features, integrations and automation tools than paid options.
Best Accounting Software for Your Business Type
Consider industry-specific integrations, user limits and monthly pricing to find the best fit for your business.
Zoho Books vs. QuickBooks: Features Comparison, Pros, Cons
We give both Zoho Books and QuickBooks Online 5 stars. The best choice for you depends on your budget, business complexity and how you plan to work with an accountant.
Does My Small Business Have Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Reporting Requirements?
Most businesses that are officially registered with their secretary of state will need to complete a BOI report.